Special to The Laker/Lutz News

2026. PETERSBURG – The Florida Public Service Commission has approved Duke Energy Florida’s request to lower customer bills beginning in March 2026.

As a result, residential customers can anticipate about a $44 decrease for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity they use when compared to February 2026.

“Having operated in Florida for more than 125 years, we’re deeply embedded in the communities we serve, and we understand the challenges our customers – often our neighbors – face in order to provide for themselves and their families,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We hope this bill reduction helps ease their financial burden, while we continue providing the reliable power they depend on every day.”

Commercial and industrial customers can also expect to see lower bills in March 2026, with decreases ranging from 9.6% to 15.8% compared to February 2026. The specific impact will vary depending on several factors.

This considerable bill reduction is largely due to the removal of the storm cost recovery charge associated with Duke Energy Florida’s response to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton at the end of February 2026.

In January and February 2026 (prior to the removal of the storm cost recovery charge), bills will temporarily increase by $7.54 for typical residential customers using 1,000 kWh of electricity, and commercial and industrial customers’ bills will increase between 4.3% and 8.2% during those two months, when compared to December 2025.

Duke Energy Florida offers payment plans, tools to help manage energy use and assistance programs. Visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp and duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings to learn more. 

 

Did you know?

Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

ST. LEO – October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national initiative dedicated to promoting digital safety and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce. 

Saint Leo University is preparing students for employment in the cyber sector. It was one of the Tampa Bay area’s first institutions to offer cybersecurity degrees.

Edward Santiago, assistant professor of computer science in the university’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Science, explains why cybersecurity awareness is essential in today’s digital world and shares tips to keep you protected.

“In today’s digital age, we can only approach innovation with caution and adjust to its pace,” Santiago said. “Be aware that every digital device collects, tracks and monitors your activity, especially those connected to a Wi-Fi service. Knowing what you can share, especially with AI systems that learn from your input, is a step toward information security. AI is smart because everything you type becomes part of its knowledge base. In the end, nothing is truly free. Someone always pays. And in the digital economy, the product is often you.”

Here are his cybersecurity tips for daily life:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account and consider a password manager to keep them safe.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of protection.
• Update devices and software regularly to limit security vulnerabilities.
• Limit what you share online, especially on social media and AI platforms.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi and use a VPN when accessing sensitive accounts.
• Check app permissions. Don’t allow unnecessary access to your location, microphone or contacts.
• Back up your data regularly to protect against loss or ransomware attacks.

Santiago teaches cybersecurity and AI at both the graduate and undergraduate levels at Saint Leo’s College of CARDS. With more than 25 years in IT, cybersecurity and academic leadership, he mentors students and creates hands-on learning experiences. He will accompany the Saint Leo PenTest Club to the CyberBay Summit 2025 Capture the Flag competition on Oct. 15 and the Raymond James Capture the Flag competition on Oct. 18.

 

CLEARWATER – The rumble returns as the eighth annual St. Pete BikeFest roars into town for four days of chrome, concerts and coastal fun. 

Tens of thousands of riders and music fans from across the country will roll in for live music, custom bike shows, a charity ride led by Paul Teutul Sr. of Orange County Choppers, vendor expos and nonstop entertainment.

It’s happening from Nov. 20 to 23 at OCC Road House & Museum, 10575 49th St. N., Clearwater. 

Here are five reasons you may want to go: 

• Concerts – More than 12 national and regional acts will perform on two stages throughout the weekend, with nightly headline acts including Homegrown Zac Brown Tribute and Bearded Brothers Band (Nov. 20); Pete Hunt Band and Creed Fisher (Nov. 21); and Shovelhed and Blackberry Smoke (Nov. 22). Daily live music continues Nov. 21 to 23 until 6 p.m. All concerts are free with ticketed VIP seating options available for the evening headliners on Nov. 21 and 22.
• Bike Show – The free-to-register public ride-in Bike Show takes place at OCC Road House on Nov. 22, with registration at 11 a.m. and awards at 3 p.m. Divisions include chopper, bagger, vintage, stock with major or minor modifications, metric/sport and Paul Sr.’s Choice Award.
• Charity Ride – Paul Teutul Sr. leads a scenic ride Nov. 23 from OCC Road House over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, open to all riders. Staging begins at 9 a.m., kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. No advance registration required. Waivers will be signed during staging.
• Vendor Row – Dozens of vendors will showcase the latest in bike gear, accessories and apparel at OCC Road House from Nov. 20 to 23.
• Adrenaline Zone – High-energy attractions throughout the weekend include the Chuter’s Parachute Jump from 5,000 feet (Nov. 20), WWN Pro Wrestling (Nov. 21), mechanical bull rides and burnout exhibitions (Nov. 22) and axe throwing (Nov. 23).

 

Want to go?

Onsite parking is reserved for motorcycles only, with very limited car parking available in the grass lot next door and on the south end of the campus. Ridesharing is strongly encouraged.

Admission to St. Pete BikeFest, including all daytime concerts, is free and open to the public. Ticketed VIP seating options for nightly headliner concerts on Nov. 21 and 22 range from $49 to $99, offering premium stage access, air-conditioned restrooms, dedicated bars and a dedicated server.

Visit SaintPeteBikeFest.com or call 727-432-3428 for schedules and VIP concert tickets.

TAMPA – Downtown Tampa is celebrating the 10th anniversary season of Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park with new attractions, expanded accessibility and a record number of local small businesses.

Visitors can skate, shop and celebrate the spirit of the season from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 at the Tampa Riverwalk.

“Winter Village has grown from a small community gathering into a cherished Tampa tradition that brings families, friends and visitors together in Tampa’s downtown,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. 

 

Ten Years of Holiday Cheer: What’s New in 2025

• Time Capsule – Opening Day, Nov. 21, marks the start of the season with a special Winter Village Time Capsule celebration. Guests are invited to bring a photo from past visits or snap a new Polaroid on-site to include in a capsule that will be sealed until Winter Village’s 20th anniversary in 2035.
• River of Lights Boat Tours – In partnership with Pirate Water Taxi, guests can hop aboard the River of Lights cruise for a dazzling 45-minute journey down the Hillsborough River, now departing directly from Winter Village, with visits from Santa’s helpers. Kids can mail letters to Santa via Tampa’s only floating mail station, supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.

 

Skate, Sip, and Shop Local

• The real-ice skating rink returns as the centerpiece of Winter Village, offering 75-minute sessions for $17 per skater, including skate rental. Skating hours vary by school schedules and holidays, with extended hours during Hillsborough schools’ winter break. Tickets are available now at WinterVillageTampa.com.
• Guests can refuel and relax at Icicles Craft Kitchen & Bar, Mi Cafecito Coffee, Gourmet Crepes and Whatever Pops.
• The Shops of Winter Village, delivered by PODS, will spotlight 70 local small businesses this year (up from 41 last season), with 10 full-season retailers, seven partial-season shops, and more than 30 rotating vendors through the holidays. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, apparel, art and treats daily from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 (hours vary by day).
• Celebrate Shop Small Weekend, unboxed by PODS, Nov. 28 to 30 from noon to 4 p.m., with 18 additional small businesses, including little entrepreneurs and local artists. The first 100 shoppers will receive an “I Shopped Small at Winter Village” tote bag.

 

Accessibility Enhancements

This year, Winter Village introduces new features designed to ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable:

• Sensory Relief Zone: A quiet retreat space for neurodiverse guests or those with sensory processing differences, equipped with calming sensory items.
• CARD-Certified Staff: All staff and attendants have completed training from USF’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Widened pathways, improved ADA access and multilingual signage (English, Spanish and low-visibility enhanced text).

 

Daily Programming and Seasonal Fun

From themed skate nights to silent discos, Winter Village is packed with activities for all ages:

• Tuesdays – Theme Skate Nights: Enjoy rotating themed nights like Grinchmas, Ugly Sweater and Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes, including photo ops by Tampa General Hospital.
• Wednesdays – Trivia and Holiday Game Night: Test your knowledge at trivia from 2 to 4 p.m. and enjoy additional holiday games when the shops and cafe are open.
• Thursdays – Thunderstruck Thursdays: Celebrate Tampa Bay Lightning pride by purchasing themed menu items for the chance to win Tampa Bay Lightning tickets.
• Fridays – Silent Disco: Dance under the stars with headset rentals from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Saturdays – Shop Small Saturdays: Surprise tote giveaways and local vendor spotlights.

Visit WinterVillageTampa.com for the full event schedule, tickets and updates.

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa talked leadership with leaders from the Pasco County Fire Rescue during the 55th episode of the “Pasco Podcast.”

During the 31-minute episode, Carballa asked Special Operations Chief Lee Hudson about a moment when leadership made a critical difference during response. 

Hudson talked about fire rescue and the sheriff’s office working together under a unified command during Hurricane Idalia. 

“Individually, we were able to solve some problems, but not at a very rapid pace,” Hudson told Carballa. “But when we unified our command together with the leadership from the sheriff’s office and fire rescue, those two teams came together and we were able to take the problems, solve them quickly and move to the next problem.”

Chief Ryan Guynn agreed with Hudson’s assessment. 

“We realized that we had some gaps, and that was one that we needed to fix,” Guynn said. “We quickly realized that we have the team that can handle this.”

Carballa described coming together as a turning point for fire service and the sheriff’s office, noting the departments continue to engage in joint training exercises.  

The episode also delves into leadership philosophies, a day in the life of fire rescue and advice for aspiring firefighters. 

Watch the episode at youtube.com/@PascoCountyGovernment.

DADE CITY – Moonlight and Ivory has provided the community an opportunity to celebrate local talent for the past 27 years. Musicians and artists from Dade City, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and beyond are busy preparing for another set of shows Nov. 1 at the Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave. 

Spectators can expect vocal and instrumental renditions of show tunes, classics, contemporary music, jazz, bluegrass, sacred and original pieces by adult performers of all ages. The show features accomplished musicians, many who are or have been professional, as well as some who are up and coming.

The event includes an art show and sale with contributions by local artists.

Thanks to community support of the event, the Heritage Arts Center Association encourages arts activities, such as the Dade City Symphony, the Arts in Motion Children’s Theater and the Dade City Center for the Arts. In addition to this event, the Heritage Arts Center Association produces the Spotlight on Talent regional performing arts competition and awards scholarships to graduating seniors in the arts.

There will be two opportunities to attend Moonlight and Ivory. The matinee will begin at 2 p.m. with the art show following. Doors for the evening performance will open at 7 p.m. for the art exhibition with the musical concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served at intermission for both shows: light snacks ($15) at the matinee and gourmet desserts ($25) at the evening performances. 

Originally conceived as a one-time fundraising effort to buy a grand piano for the community’s use, this concert has become an annual event. The Heritage Arts Center Association now owns a grand piano that has served these concerts, recitals and Spotlight on Talent competitions.

Tickets are available for both concerts and may be purchased at the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce (checks only), Dade City’s Prelude Academy and heritagearts.org. 

LAND O’ LAKES – Liza Olivia Blecher, owner of Liza Olivia Photography, earned international recognition after one of her portraits was selected for display in the SEEN AGAIN International Art Show. 

Liza traveled to Springfield, Illinois, where the exhibition was held Sept. 16 and 17 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

“Being featured in an international art show is such an amazing experience,” Liza said. “To see a personal project displayed alongside other talented artists’ work was truly special.”

The SEEN AGAIN project, created by the Photography Business Institute, highlights excellence in portraiture and entrepreneurship. For Liza, the theme became a way to celebrate life and showcase the resilience and beauty of people who overcame or are overcoming challenges and hardships.

“It was about telling stories of strength, courage and perseverance and revealing to people the beauty they may not always see in themselves,” Liza said.

She photographed nine individuals, each with a story worth celebrating. While just one of these portraits was selected for the international gallery, she plans to host a local showcase so the community can experience the strength, beauty and resilience captured in every image. 

“I want people to see all of these incredible stories, not just the one displayed in Illinois,” Liza said. “Each person’s journey deserves to be celebrated.”

During the gallery showcase, a small number of photographers were also awarded the Certified Boutique Photographer designation. Unlike other programs, the CBP designation evaluates more than technical skills, focusing on the entire client experience, from business practices to marketing and customer care.

“Liza’s work and dedication are extraordinary,” said Sarah Petty, founder of the Photography Business Institute. “This honor recognizes not only her creativity and talent but also the heart and professionalism she brings to every client she serves.”

For Blecher, the recognition is both a personal and professional milestone. 

“This is why I do what I do,” she said. “To create artwork that means something – for my clients and for the world to see for generations to come.”

 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Put on your scariest, cutest, silliest or best costume and join Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation for a wide variety of family-friendly Halloween activities. 

From Halloween movies in the park and costume contests to Halloween-themed skate jams and an inclusive dance for adults with disabilities, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has something to offer everyone. All events are free.

 

Halloween Skate Jam

• Oct. 24, Providence Skate Park, registration 4:30-5 p.m., event 5-10 p.m.
• Oct. 25, Apollo Beach Skate Park, registration 6-6:30 p.m., event 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 31, Carrollwood Village Skate Park, registration 6-6:30 p.m., event 6:30-8 p.m.
• Oct. 31, Jackson Springs Skate Park, registration 5:30-6 p.m., event 6-8 p.m.

 

Halloween Night of Sparks

Adults with disabilities are invited to put on their best Halloween costume and hit the dance floor.

• Oct. 24, Ball 4 All – Halloween Dance, Brandon Park & Recreation Center, 6:30-8 p.m.

 

Trunk or Treat

• Oct. 23, Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Oct. 24, Jackson Springs Park & Recreation Center, 6-8 p.m.
• Oct. 24, Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 24, Ruskin Park & Recreation Center, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Oct. 24, Mango Park & Recreation Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 29, Bealsville Park & Recreation Center, 5:30-7 p.m.

 

Paws in the Park

Join Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation for an evening of Spooktacular Pooches on Parade. Owners can bring their dog in costume and have their picture taken. Prizes will be given to the top three dogs.

• Oct. 25, Apollo Beach Dog Park, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University shared a message of hope Oct. 8 at its Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 Concert. 

From African American spirituals like “Go Down Moses” to contemporary Christian tunes like “Hold on to Me” by Lauren Daigle to the classic rock of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” the event showcased the musical and vocal talents of students and faculty while highlighting themes of hope and renewal.

“Our world hungers for hope,” said senior Luigi Meschino, president of the Student Government Union. “Wars, poverty, injustice all diminish and almost destroy human dignity and the joy of human life.”

Meschino noted the late Pope Francis declared the Jubilee Year of Hope that will began in December 2025, saying, “In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring … Looking to the future with hope entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it … The coming Jubilee will thus be a Holy Year marked by the hope that does not fade, our hope in God.”

In his welcome to the concert, Meschino said, “May the words, songs and music that we hear and experience lead us to become heralds of hope.”

Edward DeBerri, chair of the Catholic Identity Advisory Committee, shared the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Where there is evil, we must seek the comfort and consolation that can overcome it. In the church, this means never being alone. Resting your head on a comforting shoulder. Finding someone who cries with you and gives you strength. All are signs of love. Where pain is deep, the hope that comes from communion must be even stronger. And this hope does not disappoint.”

Saint Leo students and faculty members provided the music of hope in many forms. 

From Handel’s “Let the Bright Seraphim,” featuring a trumpet solo by Dr. Orlando Ruiz and piano by Jeffrey Chodil, to the beautiful rendition of “The Prayer” by Dr. Cynthia Selph, director of Saint Leo’s music program, and Chris Romeo, vocalist and faculty member, the music created a sense of belonging and joy for those attending.

“A jubilee calls us to remember, to rejoice and to renew our commitments,” Saint Leo University President Jim Burkee said. 

Burkee quoted St. Paul, who in Romans 5:5 stated, “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

The concert also served as a call for Saint Leo to become a university that hopes.

 “Let me offer three simple practices,” Burkee said. “First, we remember. The Benedictine tradition teaches us that memory matters, remembering who we are and whose we are. Second: We accompany. At Saint Leo, hospitality is not a courtesy; it’s a habit of the heart. Third: We build. Ora et labora, pray and work. Hope is not a feeling we wait for. It is a future we build together.”

Saint Leo’s Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee 2025 Concert served as a reminder that “hope has a melody,” Burkee said. “Sometimes, it’s a chorus we all can sing. Sometimes it’s a quiet harmony beneath the noise of the day. But it’s always there, asking us to add our voice.”

 

Upcoming Performances

Saint Leo University will host its annual Christmas Celebration on Dec. 3 and the Department of English, Music and the Arts will present two holiday concerts: 4 p.m. at Holy Name Monastery, 12138 Wichers Road, and 7 p.m. at the Saint Leo Abbey Church with parking at University Campus, 33701 County Road 52.